Dorothy Marie Cripe (Purdy) May, 91, was born July 23, 1929, and she went into Jesus arms on January 30, 2021. She was the daughter of Harold and Ethel (Michel) Cripe, both deceased. Her siblings were Keith Cripe, now deceased, and Ernest Cripe of Laketon, Indiana. She lived in North Manchester all her life, until retiring to Florida, and then returned to Timbercrest in North Manchester a year ago. Dorothy married her Chester High school Sweetheart, Joe Arthur Purdy, on October 31, 1947. He later passed away on September 1, 1986. Dorothy was remarried to Dan May, October 18, 1992; he resides at Timbercrest.
She is survived by her children JoJoyce (Donald) Wyatt, Arizona, Dennis Purdy, Sharon (Randy) Fruitt, and Gary (Rosemary) Purdy, all in North Manchester, Indiana. Surviving stepchildren are Jeff (Shirley) May, North Carolina and Vickie (Terry) Holmes, Florida. Surviving grandchildren include Cindy Morris, Texas, Robert (Darla) Tackett, Arkansas, Ian (Nanette) Tackett, Arizona, Dorena Bunfill, Illinois, Amy (Dewand) Neely, Indiana, Mitch (Tomara) Purdy, Indiana, Heidi (Kurt) Stout, Indiana, Mandi (Dan) Herring, Indiana, Matt (Jeri) Purdy, Indiana, Katie (Drew) Kaminskis, Indiana, Sarah, (Ricky) McKee, Indiana. Surviving step grandchildren are Sheila Wagner, Wisconsin, Keith Wyatt, Arizona, Robbie (Jenny) May, North Carolina, Carrie May, North Carolina, Andy May, North Carolina, Jeffery May, North Carolina, Michael (Chelsea) Holmes, Florida, and Jered (Katie) Holmes, Florida. There are also 35 surviving great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren.
Dorothy was a member of Chester Charmers Home Extension Club for 50 years. She was a member of Servia United Church of Christ in Servia, Indiana that later became New Hope United Church of Christ, Bippus, Indiana. Dorothy loved and devoted her life to her family and church. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, and mushroom hunting with close friends. She lived as a role model of Christlikeness, touching many lives for Him, and is now back in His arms forever.
There will be a private graveside at a later date with a public memorial celebration to follow in late spring or early summer.
Those wishing to honor Dorothy may make contributions to New Hope United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 125, Bippus, Indiana 46713.
The family of Dorothy Marie Cripe (Purdy) May has entrusted McKee Mortuary with final arrangements.
To send flowers to Dorothy’s family, please visit our floral store.